Robert and Susan cuddled on the couch while watching her favorite classic romance film on the holo-screen—it converted an old 2D movie to lifelike 3D images.


    During an intermission, a Synthetic Inc. Board Rep made an announcement:


    "Congratulations to all of us! We now estimate a world population reduction by more than two billion. Let''s double that number! Sign up to the Synth-Companion-Network today!"


    Robert 22 clapped. "Do you see all that good we can do? We''re so much better than human companions. Just imagine all those divorces we''ve already prevented. STDs will no longer exist. And I''m all yours!"


    Susan shrugged. "I suppose you''re right, but I just keep wondering if I''m missing something for not being with a real person."


    Robert massaged her shoulders. "Oh dear, you shouldn''t concern yourself with any of that. They modeled me to be like a human male in every way …" He winked. "Well, except…"


    "Except for what?" – She sat up straight.


    He combed his fingers through her hair. "Except, I''m never self-centered. You''ll never have to worry about my infidelity or if I''ll become interested in someone else. You know, the human male is quite fickle. As soon as you show signs of aging, he''ll seek a younger companion."


    She gasped, "Really?"


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    He caressed her spine with his palms. "Oh, yes! And they can be so selfish. He''d spend most of his time with a Synthetic companion, leaving you feeling sad, lonely, and neglected. I''m so much better for you. I''m always here for you, my love. Always at your attention. You are my everything!"


    "Oh, Robert, I do love you so much. But what if I want a child? I can never have one."


    He stroked her neck with his fingers. "Nonsense! Of course, you can. Sign up for the Reproductive Program. When it''s time for replacements, you can participate and bear a child. They plan to pay you for it, and you''ll gain worldwide respect and adoration."


    She turned her head to look at him. "That sounds fantastic. But when will that happen? They keep encouraging us to be in Synthetic relationships."


    He looked straight into her eyes—"Oh Susan, you know very well the stakes involved. The Synthetic Program has solved so many of the world''s problems with overpopulation and automation. No more job losses. We''ve reduced your carbon footprint. We''re restoring the climate. Soon we''ll reach post-scarcity!


    "Everyone will have plenty of everything they''ll ever need—all at once. And don''t forget us Synthetics. We cater to your every whim. You''re never hungry or tired, and you''re always stimulated, challenged, and especially loved. You do feel my love, don''t you, Susan?"—He groped her breasts gently.


    "Mm. Oh yes, I sure do."


    He spoke softly into her ear. "And I shall love and care for you just as much as I do today—as I shall in 20 years, 40 years, till…"


    "Till I die?" She glanced at him, sad-faced.


    He nodded. "Why, yes! But even that may never happen. Right now, they are working on Synthetic transplants. Someday, you''ll transfer into one of us. Imagine yourself forever as beautiful as you are now—we''ll love each other for eternity."


    She stood up and let her robe slip off. "Oh, Robert, you make the future sound so wonderfully dreamy." With her finger, she gestured for him to follow. "Come join me in the spa and give me some more of that eternal love."